Impact of Science on Society

The force that drives current flow; analogous to a pump pushing water.

The rate of charge flow in an electrical circuit.

A material that allows electric current to flow easily.

A material that does not allow electric current to flow.

A material with conductivity between a conductor and a non-conductor.

A device converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The basic unit of life; the building block of tissues and organs.

An instrument for viewing very small objects.

The speed at which light travels in a vacuum, approximately 186,000 miles per second.

The principle stating that mass and energy are equivalent and can be converted into each other.

The process of splitting the nucleus of an atom, releasing a huge amount of energy.

The rate at which work is done or energy is expended, measured in watts (W).

A form of potential energy, often generated from other sources like rivers or fossil fuels.

Energy associated with the motion and position of objects, often used to do work.

The rate at which humans use energy for various activities.

Different sources that provide energy for our needs, such as fossil fuels, renewable energy, and nuclear power.

A system that uses sunlight to heat water, typically using flat plate collectors and insulated storage tanks.

A device in a solar water heater that absorbs sunlight and transfers heat to water pipes.

A tank in a solar water heater that stores heated water and prevents heat loss.

Abundant sunlight, minimal environmental impact (except battery issues), and low operating costs (almost free).

Solar water heating, solar drying, and photovoltaic power are common uses of solar energy.

Using solar panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Using sunlight to dry food or other materials, like fruits, herbs, or clothes.

Professor Oliver Headley of the University of the West Indies was a prominent researcher and developer in solar energy technology.

Energy sources that are not derived from fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro.

A microscopic organism, typically a single-celled bacterium, virus, or fungus, invisible to the naked eye.

Key elements of a plan for managing energy resources and consumption in a country, such as resource development, conservation, and technology adoption.

A device that directly converts sunlight into electricity, using the photoelectric effect.

A rotary machine with blades that rotate when driven by a fluid (like air or water) or hot gas, converting kinetic energy into mechanical energy.

A rock containing aluminium oxide (alumina), the primary source of aluminium.

Aluminium oxide (Al2O3), the compound extracted from bauxite.

A process using electricity to separate elements from a compound, like extracting aluminium from alumina.

The disposal of the red mud, a toxic waste generated during bauxite processing.

A type of waste produced during bauxite processing, containing impurities and sodium hydroxide.

High cost of electricity and limited market for the metal.

Tourism.

The process of restoring mined-out bauxite land to productive use.

During sugar manufacturing, energy can be saved by recycling waste heat from processes like evaporation and using it to preheat incoming sugar cane juice. Efficiency improvements in machinery and distillation processes also reduce energy consumption.

Bagasse, a fibrous by-product of sugarcane processing, can be used for various purposes, including generating electricity through combustion, producing biofuel, and even making paper or animal bedding. This reduces waste disposal and provides alternative energy sources.

Bauxite, the raw material for aluminium, is primarily found in Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname within the Caribbean region.

Alumina, the primary ingredient in aluminium production, is extracted from bauxite through a process called the Bayer process, which involves grinding, leaching, and precipitation steps. This process separates the aluminium oxide (alumina) from other mineral impurities in the bauxite ore.

Aluminium is a lightweight, durable, and recyclable metal, making it essential in various applications, including construction (building materials, window frames), transportation (cars, airplanes), packaging (cans, foil), and electronics. Its versatility and ease of recycling contribute to its importance.

While bauxite is abundant in the Caribbean, the high energy demands of aluminium smelting, which involves converting alumina into aluminium metal, are typically not met by the region's energy resources, leading to high costs and limited large-scale aluminium production.

Bauxite mining and refining can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, habitat destruction, and water pollution due to the release of chemicals and red mud residue. These activities also impact local communities.

Efforts to minimize the negative effects of bauxite mining and refining include reforestation, habitat restoration, water treatment, waste management, and community engagement initiatives. These aim to restore the environment and benefit impacted communities.